Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Too many possessive male vibes in Caraval spinoff finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this book delivers a captivating and emotional conclusion to the series, with many readers expressing their love for the characters and the overall story arc. However, some reviews highlight concerns over themes of possessiveness in relationships and mixed messages about love, which may not be suitable for all young readers, though the book remains highly recommended for fans of the genre.
- addictive narrative
- complex relationships
- suitable ages
- emotional conclusion
- magical elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In A CURSE FOR TRUE LOVE: ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART, BOOK 3 Evangeline wakes up in a strange dark room held by a handsome man. He explains that her memories were stolen, that he's her loving husband, and his name is Apollo. What he doesn't say is that he's also a prince everyone thought was dead. When the couple enters the castle, there's an uproar. Apollo is quick to tell everyone that he's back from the grave and the one who killed him is his old best friend Jacks, the very same man who stole Evangeline's memories. How long will it take poor Evangeline to realize that none of what her husband claims is true?
Is It Any Good?
In this trilogy finale, the possessive and bland main characters don't deserve their inventive fairy tale world. The two male suitors in A curse for True Love, Jacks and Apollo, are the possessive ones, manipulating Evangeline at every turn. Jacks may say he wants to stay away from her to keep her safe, but keeps showing up anyway and deciding how he will be the one to make her safe. Evangeline decides nothing for herself, and it's easy to see why. Even when she gets her memories back, she's only ever thinking about men, who she likes best, and what dress to wear for him. A hobby or skill would have been welcome. Her magical ability is opening enchanted archways -- not that thrilling. The more thrilling parts of A Curse for True Love were not pursued. How about playing up the Hunt more? Or actually finding Evangeline a partner worth rooting for? This may be a bestseller and readers who love the series may not be all that disappointed, but given the controlling male love interests and Evangeline's lack of agency, parents certainly will be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the male suitors in A Curse for True Love. What is their behavior around Evangeline? She likes Jacks better, but would they have a solid, long-lasting relationship? What behavior from Jacks suggests otherwise?
Who are your favorite romantic characters? Do they have an edge to them like Jacks, are they all goodness like Cinderella and her Prince Charming, or somewhere in between?
Would you read more stories form this fairy tale world? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publication date : October 24, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 15, 2026
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